Phoenix Chip FAQ.

[cleatus12r]

Phoenix ™ Chip Frequently Asked Questions
The OFFICIAL PHP Phoenix FAQ section is linked here:
http://forum.gopowerhungry.com/forum...c&daysprune=-1

There are a lot of frequently asked questions that come up regarding Power Hungry Performance and their Phoenix ™ Multi-position switch-on-the-fly Chip. This information can be applied to most any custom tuners’ chips so this should cover most any vendor’s product.

What is a “Chip”?

The Phoenix ™ Chip is a small piece of hardware that physically attaches to the truck’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When installed, the chip bypasses the PCM’s internal memory that controls all aspects of engine and automatic transmission operation. This small circuit board houses components that store up to six different calibrations, or “tunes”, by storing complete operating binary code to give your truck up to six different personalities; all while being able to access any of the characters anytime you want to change them.

How are tunes changed?

Using a rotary knob style switch, it only takes a flick of the wrist to go from a tame stock-acting slug to an impressive rocket ship. Selecting different tunes for any situation is a big advantage because if the need comes along for the truck to perform a different task, it’s a twist of the knob away. Switch through the programs whenever or however often your heart desires.

Why six programs?

The most direct answer is that the manufacturer of the hardware uses a memory chip and binary structure that only allows for that many programs. Each tune on the chip takes up 224K of binary code that actually replaces the entire binary in the PCM’s internal memory. Every tune has this characteristic.

What are the benefits to “chipping” my truck?

There are many advantages to purchasing a custom-tuned chip from Power Hungry Performance. First and foremost is a smoother running, more responsive truck without a jerky, on-off accelerator pedal. This applies to both manual and automatic transmission trucks. The automatic-equipped trucks can enjoy more positive shifts, torque converter clutch apply rates, and better shift timing for specific tune applications (daily driving, towing, racing, etc.)

Additionally, and rather unfortunately, Ford wrote hundreds of PCM base calibrations (box codes) for 7.3L PSD trucks. They wrote a few decent calibrations, a couple good ones, and a whole slew of unintelligible garbage. I guess I shouldn’t say “garbage” because some people like what most consider substandard and sometimes the “good” base calibrations don’t do what some people want. On that note, it is possible to change the base calibration in your truck to a different base calibration that allows for much more desirable automatic transmission shift strategies and functions when using a chip such as the Phoenix ™.

How do I install the chip?

Instructions come with the Phoenix ™ Chip on PCM removal and installation but a couple of these tricks I’ve come up with after doing a few dozen installs may be helpful to you.

The ’95-’97 trucks are a little more difficult than the Super Duty trucks because the initial chip installation requires partial removal of the driver side inner fender liner. The manual transmission Super Duty trucks are a little more difficult than the automatic-equipped trucks because the clutch pedal assembly hinders removal of the plastic PCM carrier. Subsequent tuning upgrades or changes require parking brake pedal assembly removal on the ’95-’97 trucks. Only three 13mm nuts are required for chip removal after the initial PCM preparation to remove the parking brake pedal assembly. On the Super Duty trucks, it is advised to cut an access hole in the plastic PCM carrier. This makes chip removal a 5 second ordeal.

How much power can I expect?

The million-dollar question. Dyno results have shown repeatedly that stock injectors are the limiting factor in how much additional power is added by installing a chip regardless of the advertised horsepower ratings of the tunes on the chip. The 7.3L Powerstroke is a complicated beast and unfortunately the injectors are the limiting factor. Stock ‘95-’97 trucks can realistically expect an honest 70-80 HP increase over stock depending on other upgrades like exhaust modification. This results in typical rear wheel numbers of 210-230 HP. One exception to this rule is the ’97 California emissions truck due to its higher capacity injectors. Unfortunately, the rest of the injector activating systems (High Pressure Oil and IDM voltage) are not quite up to par to deal with these injectors so they can realistically realize the same gain in power.

The Super Duty trucks are able to produce an additional 100 RWHP as long as the rest of the injector activating systems are strong. Stock trucks with aftermarket tuning only are usually good for 300-320 RWHP with the occasional “wonder truck” that reacts more favorably to tuning changes. The early build 1999 trucks fall into a similar category as the ’97 California trucks.

What programs should I get?

The $500,000 question. It is entirely up to you. What do you feel you need? Power Hungry writes calibrations that are designed to suit different driving needs. If you need to tow heavy loads, power levels are kept conservative and upshifts are commanded to occur later. Daily driving tunes are written to put the fun into driving your truck and make getting groceries more tolerable and less frustrating. Some tunes are self-explanatory just by the title.

Will I get better mileage?

It all depends on the usage of your right foot. Once you “feel the power” for the first time, it’ll be hard to see any economy gains. However, once you get accustomed to how your truck now behaves and you drive responsibly, it won’t take long to realize a possible .5-2 MPG gain due to tuning optimized for engine operation vs. stock tuning written to pass emissions regulations.

I will amend this and add to it as time allows.

[Wollffy]

Nicely done and very informative. Thank you

[Jackpine]

Yup! Very good, Cody! I just got around to reading it, or I would have told you sooner.

- Jack

[88Racing]

Good job!
Cody!

[majek5]

So as far as the "garbage" pcm codes, does adding Pheonix in effect, change the code to a desirable one? Or does it still need to be reflashed to a "desirable" code.

[cleatus12r]

Adding the Phoenix gives the custom tuner (Bill in this case) the ability to choose from literally dozens of different PCM codes that he can transform your PCM into without a reflash. Just keep in mind that the chip can only contain one PCM code.